The Long Break

Football

31st July 2025

BBC

Watch as Rangers knock out Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying

Watch the action as Rangers endure a testing night in Athens to progress to the third round of Champions League qualifying at the expense of Panathinaikos.

BBC • Football → 2 hours ago

BBC

Football Daily

Aaron Paul, Lyle Taylor and Sam Hutchinson preview the League 1 and 2 seasons.

BBC • Football → 2 hours ago

ESPN

Sources: Chelsea agree deal with Ajax for Hato

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, sources have told ESPN.

ESPN • Football → 3 hours ago

BBC

Brady queries Rooney's 'work ethic' at Birmingham

Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady questions former Blues manager Wayne Rooney's work ethic in a new Amazon Prime documentary series.

BBC • Football → 3 hours ago

The Athletic

What Tom Brady has taught Birmingham City... and what he thought of Wayne Rooney

New Amazon documentary 'Built in Birmingham: Brady & the Blues' charts the impact the legendary NFL quarterback has had on the English club.

The Athletic • Premier League → 3 hours ago

BBC

Man Utd open Donnarumma talks - Thursday's gossip

Manchester United open talks for Gianluigi Donnarumma, Newcastle add Rodrigo Muniz to striker targets and Crystal Palace outline Eberechi Eze transfer plan to Arsenal, plus more.

BBC • Football → 3 hours ago

The Guardian

Rangers see off wasteful Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifier

Djeidi Gassama turned super-sub once again with a crucial goal as Rangers beat profligate Panathinaikos 3-1 on aggregate in their Champions League second qualifier in Athens.

The Guardian • Football → 4 hours ago

BBC

Chelsea agree deal for Ajax defender Hato

Chelsea agree a fee for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, subject to Ajax supervisory board approval.

BBC • Football → 4 hours ago

BBC

Man Utd's number one target - is this finally the summer of Sesko?

He's Manchester United's number one target - but can they finally make this the summer of Benjamin Sesko?.

BBC • Football → 5 hours ago

ESPN

Gyökeres: Arsenal easy move despite other interest

Viktor Gyökeres has hinted that he turned down other clubs before completing his €73 million ($85.7m) move to Arsenal.

ESPN • Football → 5 hours ago

ESPN

???? Burnley to offer virtual reality seat for fans

Newly-promoted Premier League team Burnley are offering their fans a virtual reality viewing experience, meaning they can enjoy being at the club's Turf Moor stadium from their room.

ESPN • Football → 5 hours ago

ESPN

Palace Europa League appeal set for Aug. 8

A closed-door hearing in the case of Crystal Palace vs. UEFA, Nottingham Forest and Lyon will be held on Aug. 8, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed.

ESPN • Football → 5 hours ago

ESPN

United's Shaw on injury woe: 'I let people down'

Luke Shaw has opened up on his injury heartache and admitted he felt he "let people down" while he watched from the sidelines as Manchester United endured a disastrous season.

ESPN • Football → 5 hours ago

The Guardian

The evolution of referees: speed tests, data, psychologists and superfoods

PGMO puts its officials through their paces on the Costa Blanca and offers an insight into what goes on off the pitch.

The Guardian • Football → 6 hours ago

The Athletic

Leagues Cup's place in a Club World Cup world

Where does MLS and Liga MX's annual competition sit in an increasingly saturated landscape?.

The Athletic • Football → 6 hours ago

ESPN

Ready to go: Gyökeres unfazed by Arsenal pressure, taking Henry's No. 14

Viktor Gyökeres was signed to turn Arsenal into champions, so taking club icon Thierry Henry's No. 14 was always going to be noticed.

ESPN • Football → 7 hours ago

ESPN

Sources: Man Utd contact Leipzig over Sesko move

Manchester United have made contact with RB Leipzig over a move for Benjamin Sesko, sources have told ESPN.

ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

ESPN

Wirtz nets first Liverpool goal in comeback win

Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool as the Premier League champions came from behind to beat J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in a preseason friendly.

ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

ESPN

Koundé reveals new five-year Barça contract

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ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

ESPN

Louisville extends Yanez coaching deal to 2026

Racing Louisville FC has exercised the option on head coach Bev Yanez's contract to keep her in the role through the 2026 NWSL season.

ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

ESPN

Arteta: Arsenal fans gave Gyökeres 'wow' moment

Mikel Arteta believes Viktor Gyökeres has learned the scale of Arsenal's reach in the past four days after joining the club on their preseason tour to Asia.

ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

ESPN

Ødegaard guiding Arsenal teens Dowman, Salmon

Martin Ødegaard has said he is relishing the prospect of acting as a mentor to 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon so they can "shine" in the Arsenal first team.

ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

ESPN

USMNT's Cardoso on Atlético: 'Dream come true'

United States men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso said during his official Atlético Madrid presentation on Wednesday that he believes he can learn a lot from manager Diego Simeone.

ESPN • Football → 8 hours ago

The Guardian

Morecambe cease all football operations as owner urged to complete sale

Morecambe’s prospective buyers have implored the owner of the crisis-hit club to sell up and announced that all first-team football operations have stopped there.

The Guardian • Football → 8 hours ago

The Athletic

Are Manchester United right to pick Benjamin Sesko as their main striker target?

Exploring why Manchester United have identified Benjamin Sesko as their No 1 striker target.

The Athletic • Premier League → 8 hours ago

BBC

'No intention' to be compared with Henry - Gyokeres

New Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres says he just wants "to do my own thing" after taking the number 14 shirt previously worn by the club's all-time leading goalscorer Thierry Henry.

BBC • Football → 8 hours ago

BBC

Man Utd make Leipzig's Sesko top striker target

Manchester United make RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko their number one choice to come in as a new striker this summer.

BBC • Football → 8 hours ago

The Athletic

Viktor Gyokeres interview: Why he joined Arsenal, 'amazing' Thierry Henry and writing his own story

The Emirates' new No 14 speaks to the media for the first time since his £55m move back to the Premier League.

The Athletic • Football → 9 hours ago

BBC

Ex-Scotland captain admits harassing former partner

The former Premier League star sent repeated messages to his ex and turned up at her home uninvited.

BBC • Football → 9 hours ago

BBC

A summer of uncertainty - how are Crystal Palace shaping up for new season?

Sami Mokbel analyses a summer of uncertainty for Crystal Palace which threatens to continue.

BBC • Football → 9 hours ago

The Guardian

Everton transfer ownership of Goodison Park to their women’s team

Everton have transferred ownership of Goodison Park to their women’s team in a move it is hoped will attract external investment amid growing interest in the sport in the US. The club announced in May that Everton Women would play their home games at Goodison next season following David Moyes’s side move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the Guardian has learned they have since taken ownership of the 133-year-old ground.

The Guardian • Football → 9 hours ago

The Guardian

Football Daily

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! Correctly installed as lava-hot favourites to be relegated back to the Championship, seconds after the final whistle was blown at the end of their last-gasp playoff final win over Sheffield United, Sunderland promptly lost their standout player, Jobe Bellingham, to a far more successful club who might conceivably win a trophy more prestigious than Fizzy Cup in the next 70 years.

The Guardian • Football → 9 hours ago

BBC

Man City's Simpson-Pusey close to Celtic loan deal

Celtic are close to completing a loan deal for 19-year-old Manchester City centre-half Jahmai Simpson-Pusey.

BBC • Football → 10 hours ago

ESPN

USWNT newcomers ranked: All 24 players who have debuted under coach Emma Hayes

The USWNT roster has undergone sweeping change under Hayes. Let's rank the new players by how likely it is they'll represent the U.S. at the next World Cup.

ESPN • Football → 10 hours ago

ESPN

August urgency will end transfer window lull

The final days of July are the dog days of soccer's summer transfer window, but next month will bring a flurry of wheeling and dealing.

ESPN • Football → 10 hours ago

The Athletic

Barcelona’s €44m DR Congo sponsorship: How was the deal signed and why could it be controversial?

The sponsorship ensures the central African nation's logo of "DRC, coeur de l'Afrique" will appear on the back of all Barca training kits.

The Athletic • Football → 10 hours ago

BBC

Morecambe 'stop all football operations'

The first team at Morecambe stop all football operations as the uncertainty around the future of the club continues.

BBC • Football → 10 hours ago

The Athletic

Manchester United prioritising Benjamin Sesko move

Ollie Watkins also has admirers at Old Trafford but Aston Villa told United early in the window that the 29-year-old is not for sale.

The Athletic • Premier League → 10 hours ago

The Athletic

Why I Joined: After a life in soccer, an opportunity I could never have dreamed of

Former USMNT star Charlie Davies reflects on his excitement at joining The Athletic, the latest step in his remarkable journey.

The Athletic • Football → 11 hours ago

The Athletic

Why I joined: Passion, curiosity and soccer storytelling with a human touch

The Athletic's new senior soccer writer tells how the evolving nature of the sport and its issues led him toward this new role.

The Athletic • Football → 11 hours ago

30th July 2025

The Athletic

Liverpool 3 Yokohama 1: Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni shine but defensive issues remain

The main talking points dissected as Liverpool round off their Asian pre-season tour with a win in Tokyo.

The Athletic • Football → 11 hours ago

The Athletic

Referee body camera trials extended worldwide following Club World Cup test

The implementation of the technology in the Premier League for the 2025-26 season is under consideration.

The Athletic • Football → 11 hours ago

The Guardian

Sheffield Wednesday crisis deepens as safety concerns shut Hillsborough’s North Stand

Sheffield Wednesday have been banned from opening Hillsborough’s North Stand to spectators due to safety concerns, further compounding the challenges facing the crisis-hit club before the new Championship season.

The Guardian • Football → 11 hours ago

ESPN

Sunderland sign ex-Arsenal man Xhaka from Bayer

Sunderland have signed former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka as they prepare for life in the Premier League.

ESPN • Football → 11 hours ago

ESPN

Source: Liverpool agree deal for Salford's Wright

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign forward Will Wright from Salford City despite interest from Arsenal, a source has told ESPN.

ESPN • Football → 11 hours ago

ESPN

Moyes: Everton 'running out' of transfer time

Moyes said that the Merseyside club had hoped to have "more business done by now" but that talks were "stalling" on a number of moves.

ESPN • Football → 11 hours ago

The Guardian

Which two Premier League clubs have shared the most players?

Fifteen players have represented both Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League but that is not a record. Noni Madueke has made the short journey across London to join Arsenal from Chelsea.

The Guardian • Football → 12 hours ago

ESPN

Madrid's Courtois reveals post-football racing dream

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said he hopes to take his motorsport team all the way to Formula 2.

ESPN • Motorsport → 12 hours ago

The Guardian

Manchester United keen on Ollie Watkins but baulk at Aston Villa’s £60m valuation

Manchester United are interested in signing Ollie Watkins but are unwilling to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of the striker. Arsenal made numerous bids for the England international in January but were knocked back as Villa held out for £60m, a fee they would demand for any sale this summer.

The Guardian • Football → 13 hours ago

The Guardian

As England’s Lionesses roared, Nigeria’s queens of Africa made football history

The Super Falcons secured their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in a gripping final against Morocco. What is the secret to the squad’s soaraway success? Hello and welcome to The Long Wave.

The Guardian • Football → 13 hours ago

The Guardian

‘I felt the energy’: Granit Xhaka joins Sunderland on three-year contract

Sunderland have completed the signing of the Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract. The fee has not been disclosed but is thought to be an initial £13m, with a further £4m in potential add-ons.

The Guardian • Football → 13 hours ago

The Guardian

Lionesses set Wembley date for China friendly as Euro 2025 heroes return to action

England will play China in a friendly at Wembley on 29 November, their first confirmed fixture following the Lionesses’ Euros triumph at the weekend.

The Guardian • Football → 13 hours ago

The Guardian

‘A new area’: why British clubs are increasingly turning to Asia to sign players

Spurs and Newcastle are two of the clubs who have made signings from the world’s fastest growing talent pools, with greater recognition of the technical ability they bring. Arsène Wenger was ahead of the curve in 2013 when he identified one of the world’s fastest growing talent pools.

The Guardian • Football → 14 hours ago

The Athletic

Barcelona, Ter Stegen and a new form of injury crisis. Plus: Wiegman's Burna Boy surprise

How the goalkeeper's social media post has led to chaos behind the scenes.

The Athletic • Football → 14 hours ago

The Guardian

Crystal Palace want chunk of £67.5m Eze fee up front as Arsenal talks continue

Arsenal have been informed that they would have to pay more than half of Eberechi Eze’s release clause up front to sign the England forward, with Crystal Palace determined not to allow him to leave for less than a fee that could reach up to £67.5m including bonuses.

The Guardian • Football → 14 hours ago

ESPN

Bayern sign Díaz from Liverpool in $88M deal

Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Colombia international Luis Díaz from Liverpool.

ESPN • Football → 14 hours ago

ESPN

Zirkzee not fazed by striker arrivals at United

Joshua Zirkzee insists he's not fazed by the prospect of Manchester United signing another striker this summer.

ESPN • Football → 14 hours ago

ESPN

Amorim right to challenge 'toxic' culture - Shaw

Shaw says Amorim is determined to raise standards at Old Trafford following United's worst season for more than 50 years.

ESPN • Football → 14 hours ago

BBC

Euro 2025 winners England to play China at Wembley

England's victorious Euro 2025-winning team will play China in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday, 29 November.

BBC • Football → 14 hours ago

ESPN

Transfer rumors, news: Lewandowski linked with Saudi clubs

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski is attracting interest from several Saudi Pro League clubs. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

ESPN • Football → 14 hours ago

BBC

Wrexham line up record deal for Ipswich's Broadhead

Wrexham are in talks to sign Wales international Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town for a club record fee.

BBC • Football → 14 hours ago

The Guardian

San Diego FC are setting risky new records in an eye-catching MLS debut

Influenced by Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique and others, no team in the world relies on buildup quite like this newly-formed group. For a goalkeeper under pressure, there’s one safe way out: turn away from the opponent, shield the ball with your body and boot it long.

The Guardian • Football → 15 hours ago

Yahoo Sports

San Diego FC are setting risky new records in an eye-catching MLS debut

Influenced by Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique and others, no team in the world relies on buildup quite like this newly-formed group.

Yahoo Sports • MLS → 15 hours ago

BBC

Sunderland sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Xhaka

Newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland sign former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.

BBC • Football → 15 hours ago

BBC

'The aim has to be to win the Premier League'

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw says their aim "has to be to win the Premier League", Ruben Amorim's side finished 15th in the Premier League and will have no European football next season.

BBC • Football → 15 hours ago

ESPN

Leaving Liverpool: Díaz transfer is a big gamble for Bayern

What was behind Luis Díaz's desire to leave Liverpool? And are Bayern getting a difference maker in their star signing?.

ESPN • Football → 15 hours ago

BBC

Spurs teenager Moore set to join Rangers on loan

Rangers are close to completing a loan deal to sign 17-year-old Tottenham Hotspur forward Mikey Moore.

BBC • Football → 15 hours ago

The Athletic

Alexander Isak's desire to leave Newcastle United - how we got here and what happens now

Why the striker wants a transfer, when the club started new-contract talks and why they stopped - and what's next.

The Athletic • Football → 15 hours ago

BBC

'Duty fulfilled' - Diaz leaves Liverpool for Bayern

German champions Bayern Munich complete the £65.5m signing of Liverpool and Colombia winger Luis Diaz.

BBC • Football → 16 hours ago

ESPN

Under-the-radar Euro 2025 stars who could make a transfer this summer

International tournaments are often a launchpad in a player's career, so here's a look at some stars from Euro 2025 who could make a transfer.

ESPN • Football → 16 hours ago

The Guardian

Luis Díaz completes £65.5m move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich

Liverpool’s financial position has been strengthened before a potential bid for Alexander Isak after Luis Díaz completed his €75m (£65.5m) move to Bayern Munich.

The Guardian • Football → 16 hours ago

The Athletic

Luis Diaz: How Bayern Munich signed him, what he offers and what now for Liverpool?

Revealing how the Germans finally made an offer Anfield chiefs could not refuse and the impact of this transfer for both clubs.

The Athletic • Football → 16 hours ago

The Guardian

Football transfer rumours: Ramsdale to Newcastle? Man Utd move for Watkins?

Today’s rumours are a throwback.

The Guardian • Football → 16 hours ago

BBC

Amorim right on 'toxic' Man Utd culture - Shaw

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw backs head coach Ruben Amorim's hard-line approach to improving the "toxic" and "unhealthy" culture at the club.

BBC • Football → 17 hours ago

BBC

Scotland's Cooper exits CSKA Sofia 'by mutual agreement'

Scotland centre-half Liam Cooper leaves CSKA Sofia less than a year into his contract with the Bulgarian club.

BBC • Football → 17 hours ago

The Guardian

Consistent and stoic, Leah Williamson is most natural of unnatural leaders

History-making England captain is often seen barking orders but has a more introverted persona off the pitch. Leah Williamson stops, unable to scrape the grin off her face, pizza in hand, hair still damp from the post-match shower and a fat lip.

The Guardian • Football → 18 hours ago

The Guardian

League Two 2025-26 preview: the contenders, hopefuls and strugglers

Bristol Rovers will be hoping theirs is a short stay in the fourth tier, while another difficult season awaits Accrington. MK Dons finished 19th last season but Paul Warne is a good manager and the club have backed him in the transfer market.

The Guardian • Football → 18 hours ago

The Guardian

Is Chloe Kelly the first player to score the decisive goal at two major finals?

In a Euro 2025 special, we look at other champions with short-lived leads and young England award-winners.

The Guardian • Football → 18 hours ago

BBC

Listen: How will Rangers, Hibs and United fare in second legs?

We preview the action as Rangers, Hibernian and Dundee Utd try to progress in Europe.

BBC • Football → 18 hours ago

BBC

'Scotland's Porteous having LAFC medical' - gossip

Scotland centre-half Ryan Porteous is reportedly on his way to Major League Soccer, Celtic and Rangers are rivals for Go Ahead Eagles wide men, while Hibernian appear to have been given bad news over Nectarios Triantis...

BBC • Football → 18 hours ago

BBC

Priestman 'felt unsafe' in Canada after spying ban

Former Canada women's head coach Beverly Priestman returns from one-year spying ban to take charge of Wellington Phoenix.

BBC • Football → 18 hours ago

BBC

Everton running out of time to sign players - Moyes

Everton boss David Moyes says the club are "running out" of time to make the impact they were hoping for in the summer transfer window.

BBC • Football → 19 hours ago

BBC

The U17 World Cup winner who quit football to help next generation

Curtis Anderson was a World Cup winner alongside Phil Foden, Marc Guehi and Morgan Gibbs-White, but aged 24 he has retired from football.

BBC • Football → 19 hours ago

BBC

'Not just a flash in the pan' - Lionesses' legacy

England retaining their European crown proves they are not just a one hit wonder and solidifies their legacy in women's sport.

BBC • Football → 19 hours ago

The Guardian

’I didn’t feel safe’: Bev Priestman returns from spying ban to coach Wellington Phoenix

Former Canada women’s football coach Bev Priestman has said she “didn’t feel safe” living in North America following her one-year ban for spying at the Paris Olympics.

The Guardian • Football → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

Inside Liverpool's commercial juggernaut: New Adidas deal, 1.7bn engagements and why Asia matters

The Anfield club's off-field growth has been exponential in recent seasons - this is how it's happened.

The Athletic • Football → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

The Scheffler paradox: How athletes cope when winning is not enough

The new Open champion's admission that winning can leave you unfulfilled was surprising but his words resonated with other elite athletes.

The Athletic • NFL → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

Sarina Wiegman, Burna Boy and how England celebrated becoming proper football royalty (again)

The story of how the Lionesses celebrated winning the Euros - ending with a huge party outside Buckingham Palace.

The Athletic • Football → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle is a move rooted in ambition - on both sides

Ramsdale's arrival is not one Newcastle United supporters craved but the analysis shows he could evolve the way Eddie Howe's side play.

The Athletic • Football → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

Arsenal have spent £187m: Do they need to sell? What is their PSR position? Who could go?

Arsenal have been busy in the transfer window. But if they are to continue, do they need to sell first?.

The Athletic • Football → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

United? Yanited? Man U? What to call Manchester United - and what it says about you

Manchester United are one of the most famous sports teams on the planet but people call them all different things.

The Athletic • Premier League → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

Why Chelsea want Jorrel Hato - the teenager with experience beyond his years

Chelsea are on the verge of agreeing a deal with Ajax for Jorrel Hato worth in excess of €40million (£34.8m; $46.7m).

The Athletic • Premier League → 20 hours ago

The Athletic

The 10 players to keep an eye on over the rest of the transfer window

Over halfway to deadline day on September 1, several more high-profile moves are still on the cards this summer.

The Athletic • Football → 21 hours ago

ESPN

Priestman, banned for spying, hired by Wellington

The Canada coach banned for her role in a drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics has been hired as head coach of New Zealand's only ...

ESPN • Football → 21 hours ago

ESPN

Sources: Vancouver close to sealing Müller deal

The Vancouver Whitecaps are closing in on a deal to sign former Bayern Munich and Germany star Thomas Müller, sources told ESPN.

ESPN • Football → 21 hours ago

ABC Sport

Ex-Canada coach returns from spying ban to lead ALW's Phoenix

Bev Priestman, who was banned over her role in the Paris Olympics drone spying scandal, will make her coaching return with A-League Women club Wellington Phoenix.

ABC Sport • Football → 24 hours ago

ESPN

Greatest players to wear Real Madrid's No. 10 as Mbappé takes legendary jersey

Kylian Mbappé is the latest Real Madrid superstar to have the squad number 10. Here are 10 more of the greatest players to wear the iconic shirt.

ESPN • Football → 1 day ago

The Athletic

David Moyes on Everton transfers - Time is 'running out' to build fans a 'team to be proud of'

Moyes wants as many as ten signings this summer for Everton.

The Athletic • Premier League → 1 day ago

ESPN

Sources: Vegas to host World Cup draw on Dec. 5

Las Vegas will host the 2026 World Cup draw on Dec. 5, multiple sources have told ESPN Mexico's Omar Flores Aldana and Ricardo Cariño.

ESPN • Football → 1 day ago

ESPN

Rodman 'still gonna be Trin' despite back injury

Washington Spirit and United States forward Trinity Rodman told reporters on Tuesday that she has learned how to better manage herself after missing the past three months due to an ongoing back injury -- but she won't entirely change her game.

ESPN • Football → 1 day ago

Sources

ABC Sport • Football

Andscape • Football

BBC • Premier League

BBC • Football

ESPN • Football

Fox Sports • A-League

Fox Sports • Football

Fox Sports • Premier League

New York Times • Football

Sports Illustrated • Football

The Athletic • MLS

The Athletic • Premier League

The Athletic • Football

The Guardian • A-League

The Guardian • Football

Yahoo Sports • Football

Yahoo Sports • MLS